In 1962, Burnett began working on the show under a 10-year contract with CBS. During this time, “The Carol Burnett Show” was launched on CBS-TV on September 11, 1967.
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Carol Burnett’s Biography
| Full name: | Carol Burnett |
| Profession: | American Comedian, Actress & Writer |
| Born: | April 26, 1933, San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Best Known For: | The Carol Burnett Show |
| Education: | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Age: | 90 Years |
| Weight: | 55 kg |
| Height: | 5 ‘6″ (168 cm) |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Spouse: | Brian Miller (m. 2001) Joe Hamilton (m. 1963–1984) Don Saroyan (m. 1955–1962) |
| Parents: | Joseph Thomas Burnett & Ina Louise Creighton |
| Children: | 3 |
| Nationality: | American |
Who is Carol Burnett?
Carol Burnett is an iconic American comedian, actress, singer and writer of the 1950s, who was born on April 26, 1933 in San Antonio, Texas, USA.
She is best known for “The Carol Burnett Show,” which aired from 1967 to 1978. The show is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time by Time magazine.
She appeared in more than 50 television shows in her career and won 25 Emmy Awards for her versatile performances. Apart from this, she also won Golden Globe Award, Tony Award, and Screen Gild Awards.
Last year, Burnett celebrated her 90th birthday, on this milestone she launched an episode called Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love.
As an author, she is a three-time New York Times bestseller. An intersection in Los Angeles is named Carol Burnett Square, a permanent tribute to her in her hometown.
Early Life, Education & Family Background
Burnett’s father Joseph Thomas Burnett was a movie theatre manager and mother Ina Louise Creighton was a publicity writer for movie studios.
Burnett’s parents divorced when she was very young, leaving her to be raised by her grandmother, Mabel Eudora White.
Despite financial struggles, Burnett’s grandmother encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She attended Hollywood High School, where she continued to hone his acting and comedy skills by participating in school productions.
After graduating from high school, Burnett moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shortly before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied theatre arts.
Carol Burnett’s Beginning Career
Burnett began her career in 1955 on “The Paul Winchell and Jerry Mahoney Show.” She co-starred with Buddy Hackett in the sitcom “Stanley” from 1956–1957.
She also had roles in various musical productions, including “Once Upon a Mattress” off-Broadway. During this period she had to face challenges for many years.
She worked a variety of jobs while pursuing her acting career. In 1959 she landed a supporting role on the CBS-TV series “The Garry Moore Show.” Her comedic talent in this show made him a popular television personality.
“The Carol Burnett Show” (1967 – 1978)
In 1962, Burnett began working on the show under a 10-year contract with CBS. During this time, “The Carol Burnett Show” was launched on CBS-TV on September 11, 1967.
She became popular throughout America due to her versatility in the show. She became an iconic figure in the world of comedy as well as one of the greatest comedians.
Her character in this show did wonders. The show won the title of primetime show with solid ratings. The show aired from 1967 to 1978 and was a nationwide hit.
In addition to Burnett, the show starred a variety of actors, including Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman (seasons 1–10), Lyle Waggoner (seasons 1–7), Tim Conway (seasons 9–11; recurring guest star in seasons 1–8 ), Dick Van Dyke (first half of season 11).
Carol Burnett’s Career Top Five Shows
In addition to “The Carol Burnett Show”, Carol Burnett has also starred in several other television shows during her career.
“The Garry Moore Show” (1959-1962)
“The Garry Moore Show” was a popular show that aired on CBS from 1958 to 1964. Burnett joined the show in 1959. One of her most memorable characters was “Mrs. Wiggins”, a dim-witted secretary who often created chaos in the office. The character became one of her leading roles and was loved by the audience due to her comical antics and slapstick humour.
This was an early show in her career in which she showcased her comedic talents through various sketches, characters and musical performances with Gary Moore. The show was instrumental in shaping her career and establishing him as a great comedian in the entertainment industry.
“Carol Burnett and Friends” (1977–1978)
“Carol Burnett and Friends” was a comedy sketch show that aired on CBS from 1977 to 1978. The show starred Carol Burnett as host, sketch artist, and her own musical showcase. The show featured parody songs from popular movies and television shows. Ranging from parodies to original comedy sequences, her comedic talent and charismatic presence played a significant role in the show’s success and enduring popularity.
Apart from Burnett, the show also included artists like Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Wagner. The chemistry between Burnett and her co-stars was a highlight of the show, contributing to its success.
“Mama’s Family” (1983–1990)
The show was a sitcom created by Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon, based on sketches from “The Carol Burnett Show”. Burnett played Eunice Higgins in the show, which aired from 1983 to 1990. The show focused on the Harper family, particularly the matriarch, Thelma “Mama” Harper, played by Vicki Lawrence.
Eunice Higgins, played by Carol Burnett, was Mama’s eldest daughter. Eunice was portrayed as an eccentric, dramatic and often frustrated character who constantly feuded with Mama and her brother, Vint, played by Ken Berry. She had a tumultuous relationship with her husband, Ed Higgins, played by Harvey Korman.
Carol Burnett’s portrayal of Eunice Higgins was notable for her comedic timing, over-the-top expressions, and ability to embody the character’s complex emotions. Eunice’s interactions with Mama, Vint, and other family members provided much of the humour and drama of the show.
While “Mama’s Family” was primarily a vehicle for Vicki Lawrence’s character, Mama Harper, Carol Burnett’s guest role as Eunice Higgins was highly anticipated by fans of both “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Mama’s Family”. Her portrayal added depth and hilarity to the dynamics between Mama and her family members.
“Carroll and Company” (1990–1991)
Produced by Burnett’s own production company, Columbia Pictures Television, the show aired on NBC from 1990 to 1991. Carol Burnett demonstrated her versatility in the show by playing various roles throughout the series.
In addition to Burnett, the show starred a diverse cast including Richard Kind, Jeremy Piven, Megan Fay, Terry Kiser, Anita Barron, and Peter Cruz, among other talented actors.
Burnett’s performances on this show provided her with a platform to continue entertaining audiences with her trademark humour and style.
“The Carol Burnett Show: Show Stoppers” (2001)
The show is a remake of Burnett’s show, which she aired as “The Carol Burnett Show” from 1967 to 1978. The show stars Carol Burnett as well as prominent cast members such as Victoria Rowell, Hervé Corême, and Tim Conway, who are familiar from their previous versions of the show.
Within the show, Burnett and her team have recreated many famous skits, such as “The Family”, “As the Stomach Turns”, “Went With the Wind”, “The Oldest Man”, and “The “Charwoman”. The show provides him an opportunity to give a new spin, giving her fans a chance to revisit her beloved and classic comedy.
Some of the most iconic sketches, musical performances and comedy routines from “The Carol Burnett Show” were reprised in this special episode by Burnett. This show was also successful.
Awards and Achievements
- Emmy Awards: Burnett holds the record for most Emmy Awards won by an individual performer in the category of “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series”. She won the award 25 times for her work on “The Carol Burnett Show”, which received 70 nominations.
- Golden Globe Awards: Burnett won “Best TV Star – Female” in 1971 for her role on “The Carol Burnett Show”. Apart from this, she received several Golden Globe Awards nominations. In 2019, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association introduced the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globe Awards, recognizing her immense contributions to television and comedy. In this, those people who have made outstanding contributions to television were honoured.
- Tony Award: In 1969, Burnett won the Tony Award for “Best Actress in a Musical” for her performance in the Broadway musical “Fade Out – Fade In”.
- Grammy Awards: Burnett has won several Grammy Awards for her comedy albums. Her most notable Grammy win was in 1972 for “Best Comedy Recording” for her album “Carol Burnett: Featuring ‘If I Could Write a Song’.”
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Burnett received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2016, honouring her outstanding career and contributions to the entertainment industry.
- Peabody Award: In 1962, Burnett received a Peabody Award for her work on “The Garry Moore Show”, where she was recognized for her comedic talent and versatile performance.
- Kennedy Center Honor: Carol Burnett was awarded the Kennedy Center Honor in 2003 for her significant contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2005, President George W. Bush awarded Carol Burnett the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian award, for her outstanding contributions to entertainment.
- American Comedy Awards: Burnett received various American Comedy Awards in the 1980s and 1990s, celebrating her achievements in comedy television.
Carol Burnett’s Net worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Carol Burnett’s net worth is currently estimated to be around $45 million. She has earned this wealth through the arts of entertainment, acting, comedy, singing, and writing.
Carol Burnett’s Personal Life
Carol Burnett has been married three times so far. Her first husband was her college sweetheart, Don Saroyan, whom she married in 1955. But their relationship lasted only till 1962.
Burnett’s second husband was television producer Joe Hamilton, whom she married in 1963. Their relationship lasted only till 1984. They have three daughters: Carey Hamilton, Jody Hamilton, and Erin Hamilton. Tragically, Carey died of pneumonia in 2002.
Carol Burnett’s current husband is Brian Miller, a drummer for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.They have been married since 2001. She lives in Southern California with her husband and children.
Conclusion
Overall, Carol Burnett is one of the greatest comedians in American history who has played an important role in the entertainment industry through her versatility. During her time, she broke all the barriers to work in this field and set a strong example of women empowerment. Off-screen, her philanthropic efforts and dedication to charitable causes have positively impacted the lives of countless people.
She is no less than an inspiration for today’s youth. She is a role model for all of us and will always be remembered for her outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry.
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